Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Time to follow Chosen one
CHOSEN MATE is the nap selection on a card that could reward favourite backers at Naas tomorrow.
Gordon Elliott’s charge runs in the Paddy Power Novice Hurdle and can take the step up to Grade 2 company in his stride.
A point-to-point winner, he left punters wondering how they missed that one when landing his maiden hurdle at 14/1.
It came out then that the son of Well Chosen is well-regarded in the Elliott yard and was fancied to follow up in Listed company at Punchestown earlier this month.
This looked like happening for a long way but Chosen Mate bumped into what could be a very good mare in Sinoria, who shaded it by three parts of a length.
It was telling that the pair were well clear of the useful Top Moon and La Sorelita so that looks the best form on offer here.
The main opposition could be from the same stable, with Elliott’s Milan Native capable of stepping up after shedding his maiden tag at Navan last weekend.
Funds for a healthy punt on Chosen Mate could be gathered in the opener, where Willie Mullins’ Fast Buck stands out.
This five-year-old ran in a maiden hurdle at Cork in January, staying on well to finish three and half lengths behind Fakir D’oudairies.
The winner that day is now a leading fancy for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, while horses in behind have franked the form.
Fast Buck is likely to need more distance over time but should have more than enough to get the better of some consistent types in Momus and All For Joy.
In the concluding bumper, Midnight Run is the selection in what could be a tactical five-runner affair.
Joseph O’brien’s horse ran a fine race at Navan behind Envoi Allen, who could emerge as this season’s top bumper horse.
That was only his second run and he can improve to beat Column of Fire, who was a well-beaten third when brought down in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in December.